Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Even when women are breadwinners, they continue to shoulder bulk of domestic responsibilities

News: The article discusses the findings of Women at Work report, published by Deloitte.

What are the findings of the report?

As per the report, only 15 percent of working women split daily tasks equally with their partner. The rest bear the burden of household responsibilities while simultaneously being breadwinners.

As per the report, 53 percent of women have higher levels of stress and mental health issues than their global counterparts.

The report highlights that 42 per cent of women take on the sole responsibility of household tasks along with their job. 

This shows that men never regard household duties as their responsibilities. Instead, they always see household duties as the responsibility of females.

The survey further shows that even when men and women earn equally, it is the women disproportionately responsible for childcare.  

When it comes to childcare, women tend to take more flexible work options to balance both ends while men exclude themselves from such responsibilities.

The survey further founded that 70 percent of women accepted the larger household role, saying their partner is the primary earner.

However, the fact is that women step back and opt-out for promotions, making men the bigger earner by default.

Moreover, men utilize this “stay at home” privilege as a justification for neglecting domestic duties because society as a whole supports it as a “strictly” maternal domain.

However, if men want to opt for childcare, there is no support for them from the policy makers as there is no paternity leaves available for new fathers.

This is in contrast to developed societies in the West. For example, Finland allows seven months of leave for employees, male or female.

What can be the way ahead?

Policymakers need to look at paid paternity leave because this will encourage fathers to take part in childcare and become sensitive to the mother’s needs. Otherwise, Indian women will continue to struggle with responsibilities.

Moreover, 91 percent of women are unhappy that their organizations aren’t taking any steps to ensure gender diversity, stop them from quitting or support policy decisions taken by them.

If these headwinds continue, India will lose its competitive edge to representational biases.

A Court recall that impacts the rights of the accused

News– On May 12, in its interim order, the Supreme Court clarified that courts could grant default bail without relying on the Ritu Chhabaria judgement.

What are provisions related to bail in the Indian legal system?

The right to statutory bail is available to accused persons in cases when the investigating agency fails to complete its investigation within the stipulated time. It is often known as default bail.

Under Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the maximum time available to investigators is 60 or 90 days. It depends on the seriousness of the offence.

If the authorities are unable to complete the investigation within this time period, the accused can apply for default bail under Section 167(2) of the CrPC.

The right to bail has been described by the Court in multiple judgments as an indefeasible right. It flows from Article 21 of the Constitution.

In Achpal vs State of Rajasthan (2018), the Court held that an investigation report filed by an unauthorised investigating officer, would not bar the accused from availing default bail.

In S. Kasi vs State (2020), the Court further stated that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the investigating agencies would not be allowed any relaxation for the maximum stipulated period of investigation. It could lead to additional detention of the accused.

Why are provisions related to bail not effective?

These protections related to bail have eroded in practice. Investigating authorities routinely filed incomplete or supplementary charge sheets within the 60/90 day period, to prevent the accused from seeking default bail.

In other instances, the investigating authorities would file charge sheets, incomplete or otherwise, after the 60/90 day period. It is before the default bail application could be filed by the accused.

What are SC viewpoints in the Ritu Chhabaria case?

The Supreme Court’s decision in Ritu Chhabaria delegitimizes such illegal practices. It held that incomplete charge sheets filed by the police would not bar an accused from applying for default bail.

The Court emphasised that the preliminary or incomplete nature of these police reports revealed that the investigation was not complete.

In Jasbir Singh (2023), the Supreme Court held that a complete charge sheet filed within time could not be rejected because the investigation did not have sanction.

Why is the SC decision to recall its judgement in the Ritu Chhabaria case is alarming?

Right to default bail could be made subservient to concerns of ‘difficulties’ faced by investigative authorities.

The Supreme Court also agreed to defer decisions on bail for accused persons across the country as per Ritu Chhabaria case guidelines. It makes the matter even more serious.

Death by methanol

News: In two recent incidents in north Tamil Nadu, 17 people died and 50 were hospitalized after consuming spurious or illicit liquor.

Notably, these incidents occurred just one month after the state government reported no such alcohol-related incidents over the last 14 years.

Also, NCRB and union government reported a significant reduction in deaths caused by illegal alcohol from 2016 to 2021.

What measures were taken by the Tamil Nādu Government?

Since 2002, methanol has been brought under the ambit of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937. Methanol is said to be the main reason behind hooch tragedies.

Tamil Nadu Denatured Spirit, Methyl Alcohol and Varnish (French Polish) Rules, 1959 was also amended to control methanol supply.

What are the shortcomings behind these incidents?

The recent events highlight administrative shortcomings, including insufficient regulation of methanol and a lack of monitoring of cheaper brews that compete with official retail outlets.

These incidents underscore the need for a consistent and thorough policy to tackle the issue of illegal alcohol, along with a strict commitment to zero tolerance for this issue.

Top of Form

Haryana’s new liquor policy: Drink to that

News: The Haryana government has announced its new liquor policy.

This policy allows certain offices to sell booze on the premises. The eligibility criterions are over 5,000 employees, office space of at least 1 lakh sq feet and a canteen over 2,000 sq feet.

What is the significance of Haryana’s new liquor policy?

Taxes on liquor contribute a significant share to many states’ own revenue. This policy will increase this tax revenue from corporates instead of common men.

It will train the people to develop the habit of responsible drinking. It is because, employees tend to remain discipline around their bosses and colleagues.

On sexual harassment in the workplace

News: The Supreme Court Bench of India has said there are “serious lapses” and “uncertainty” regarding the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH).

How was the PoSH Act formed?

In 1997 as part of the Vishaka judgment, the Supreme Court laid down specific guidelines known as Vishaka guidelines. The guidelines focused on the prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.

After this, the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill was introduced. It was later tabled in Parliament and went through amendments. The amended Bill came into force in 2013, as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) or PoSh Act.

What is the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013?

The law expands the definition of ‘workplace’ beyond traditional offices to include all kinds of organisations across sectors, even non-traditional workplaces. It applies to all public and private sector organisations throughout India.

The law requires any employer with more than 10 employees to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

The Act mandates every district in the country to create a local committee to receive complaints from women working in firms with less than 10 employees and from the informal sector.

The employer has to file an annual audit report with the district officer about the number of sexual harassment complaints filed and actions taken at the end of the year.

What are the observations made by the Supreme Court on the PoSH Act?

Improper constitution of ICCs: The majority of the ICCs either had an inadequate number of members or lacked a mandatory external member.

Lack of responsibility: The Act does not satisfactorily address accountability. For instance, the Act does not specify who is in charge of ensuring workplace adherence to the Act, and who can be held responsible if its provisions are not followed.

-Law is largely inaccessible to women workers in the informal sector.

-Sexual harassment is hugely underreported for a number of reasons such as the power dynamics of organisations, fear of professional repercussions, etc.

GS Paper 3

Measuring India’s manufacturing sector remains a data challenge

News: The article discusses the advantages and limitations of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) 21 data-set.

About MCA21 data-set

The MCA21 data-set was introduced in place of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to expand coverage of the organized sector.

This data set along with manufacturing also includes service-sector companies in its calculations unlike the ASI.

How is MCA21 data set different from ASI?

The MCA21 represents an administrative dataset, fundamentally distinct in structure from the ASI.

The implementation of such datasets for national accounting purposes is a difficult venture because it requires substantial collaboration among ministries to understand data gathering procedures, definitions, aims, etc.

These data sets are not collected or generated via any statistical design, schedule or questionnaire intended for statistical purposes.

As a result, the statistical agency struggles with data structures derived from regulatory practices, accounting standards, and the administrative processes of the ministry in charge of data creation, over which it has no authority.

Thus, the shift from ASI to MCA included replacing survey data with administrative data, which introduced many new challenges.

What are the advantages of the MCA21 data set?

The MCA21 data offers a broad aggregate picture of our corporate sector. It offers wider coverage data, offers broader scope to estimate value addition, and offers a faster way to prepare annual estimates.

What are the limitations of the MCA21 dataset?

Improper Classification: The MCA21 dataset has both manufacturing and service-sector companies unlike the ASI. However, MCA21 lacks clear identifiers of economic activity within the registered entities for correctly classifying companies into respective sectors.

MCA21 provides information on the product-level revenue of enterprises. However, the problem comes in the case of diversified enterprises that have multiple products and services and operate at several locations.

Therefore, in such scenarios, sector-wise estimates are distorted by misclassification, and data available are inconsistent with other metrics of industrial activity.

Lack of Geographical Indicators: The MCA21 data also lacks geographical indicators, making it problematic for computing state-level aggregates.

Lacks Quality Data: The MCA adds companies on a monthly basis and de-registers companies as per the norm of de-registration.

GDP data from 2012-17 showed that on average, about 60% of active companies file their financial statements and are thus available for estimation. These companies are considerably different from the universe captured by ASI.

Therefore, a year-on-year mapping of ASI and MCA is required to get the clear data from the shift.

Lack of Data for Unorganized Manufacturing Sector: There are limitations to find data for the unorganized manufacturing sector because there has been transformation in the enterprise landscape, particularly after GST implementation and due to the effect Covid.

Measurement errors: GVA values are extended by using MCA growth rates for the organised sector, which might result in considerable measurement errors.

Therefore, in such situations, it is difficult to examine India’s manufacturing industry because, despite changes in data and methodology, it has introduced new complexity.

Basis for penalty in competition law

News- The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 was introduced recently

What are some facts about the Competition Act, 2002?

The Competition Act, 2002, aims to defend the economy from anti-competitive practices.

It empowers the Competition Commission of India to impose penalties for anti-competitive practices and abuse of dominant position.

The CCI has the authority to impose a penalty of up to 10% of the average turnover for the three preceding financial years. The Act defines “turnover” to include the value of goods or services sold.

What was the ruling of the apex court in In Re: Excel Crop Care Limited case related to calculation of turnover?

The CCI imposed a penalty at 9% of the total turnover. CCI statute was not clear whether the turnover was related to the product or the person.

An appeal in this matter was filed in apex court in 2017. It adopted “relevant” turnover for imposing a penalty. It clarified that “relevant” turnover was the person’s turnover pertaining to products and services affected by the violation of law.

For this purpose, it relied on two principles: (i) strict interpretation — if two interpretations are possible — one that leans in favour of the infringer should be adopted.

(ii) Punishment should be proportionate to the harm caused by the infringer.

What are some provisions of the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023?

The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 defines turnover for purposes of penalty as “global” turnover. It is the turnover derived from all the products and services by the person concerned.

It mandates the CCI to publish guidelines to determine an appropriate amount of penalty for violating the provisions of the Act.

It further mandates the CCI to consider these guidelines for imposing penalties and provide reasons in the case of any divergence from them.

The amended law does not enable more than one interpretation. So, there is no need to use the principle of strict interpretation.

It provides three levers to ensure proportionality– (1) The penalty can vary from zero to 10% of the global turnover, depending on the gravity of the Violations.

(2) The guidelines shall guide determining the appropriate amount of penalty.

(3) The order shall give reasons for awarding a penalty different from the one specified in the guidelines.

What are the advantages of Global turnover as compared to relevant turnover?

There are situations where it is difficult to use relevant turnover for imposing a penalty. An example is the hub-and-spoke agreement.

A hub is typically not engaged in the same line of business as the spoke. Since its relevant turnover is nil, the penalty based on such turnover would be nil. IT encourages the hub to contravene the law with impunity.

Determining relevant turnover is often complex and imprecise. An example is the abuse of dominance in health insurance.

The infringer would argue for a narrower definition of the product. The competition authority would take the opposite view. This will only add to litigation.

Why does global turnover make eminent sense for determining penalties?

Enforcement is an important aspect of any law. The effectiveness of enforcement depends on the probability of conviction of the violator of the law and the level of sanction or punishment.

A higher probability of conviction can assure compliance even at a lower level of sanction and vice versa. However, the probability of conviction is less in economic legislation like competition law because it relies on the rule of reason.

Therefore, the level of sanction must be higher. So, use of global turnover is justified for imposing penalties.

Competition law addresses market failure arising from market power. If a person abuses market power to, it triggers a process of resource reallocation. This trigger settles down after moving resources across products and sectors.

It kills several enterprises, and possibly creates new ones. This yields a new equilibrium, which is different from the initial equilibrium.

The difference is the misallocation of resources. So, the entire economy suffers. Thus, the impact of the abuse is not limited to the products or services underlying the contravention.

As president, India can guide G20’s disaster management initiatives

News: The G20 has endorsed a new working group on disaster risk reduction under India’s Presidency. This article discusses the significance of disaster risk management and mitigation.

What are the socio-economic impacts of disasters?

There is an increase in catastrophes across the globe. These disasters have been increasing poverty, thwarting development, and generating social polarisation.

The annual disaster losses have a significant impact on GDP in many low-income economies.

What are the challenges faced by countries in dealing with disaster related challenges?

Partnership with private insurance companies transfer sovereign risk to the capital markets.

There is also a scarcity of investment in a development-oriented approach to manage disasters.

Difficulty in collecting and analysing data on hazards and exposures.

The necessity of strengthening technical and institutional capacity for risk assessment and modelling.

The challenge of achieving comprehensive coverage of disaster risks.

What role can Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) play in disaster risk management?

It will prioritize disaster risk financing.

It will provide a comprehensive overview of disaster risk assessment and financing practices across various economies.

The G20 DRRWG can play a significant role in directing capital flow towards investments that make societies and economies more disaster resilient.

The DRRWG aims to establish critical links between public and private actors’ investment and financial decision-making.

How India can be instrumental in strengthening disaster risk management mechanisms?

India has extensive experience in dealing with natural disasters, so it can lead the way in promoting awareness of the financial impacts of disasters. India can help in establishing a regulatory framework to enhance insurance companies’ financial capacity to cover disaster losses.

Planely Evident – India needs a cross-border insolvency framework soon as supply chains are global

News: India’s aviation industry is dependent on a global supply chain for its operations. The voluntary insolvency sought by Go First has once again highlighted the cross-border spillover of a domestic problem.

What are the reasons behind Go Air’s insolvency?

What is the core issue with India’s cross-border insolvency framework?

Barring foreign firms: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code represents a transition from a regime of ‘debtor-in-possession’ to ‘creditor-in-control’. For example, in aviation, foreign aircraft lessors are barred from taking possession of their assets when the insolvency process is on. This can have negative fallout for other domestic airlines in cross-border insolvencies.

Non-adhere to time limits: The biggest challenge IBC faces is overshooting the legally mandated time to complete the process. For example, against the mandated timeline of a maximum of 330 days to finish the resolution process, the average time taken for closure at the end of March was 614 days. Of the ongoing resolution cases, 64% have already exceeded 270 days.

This creates the following issues a) erodes the value of firms facing resolution, b) limits financial creditors’ claims. For instance, on average creditors are able to realise just 32% of their claims, and c) undermines the credibility of IBC.

What are the other issues with the cross-border insolvency framework?

There’s a template available in the form of a UN model law on cross-border insolvency. Despite that, the cross-border insolvency laws across countries are not uniform. For instance, during the Jet Airways insolvency, a parallel proceeding was underway in the Netherlands. Both Indian and Dutch resolution efforts managed to agree on a cross-border insolvency protocol that received NCLAT’s approval.

What should be done?

NCLTs need to find ways to reduce the time taken to decide on the admission of a firm into insolvency proceedings. During the process, stakeholders also need to follow deadlines to end procedural uncertainty.

India also needs a cross-border insolvency framework as the supply chains are becoming more global.

What are the gaps in the AePS transaction model?

News: Cybercriminals are now using silicone thumbs to operate biometric POS devices and biometric ATMs to drain users’ bank accounts.

What is an Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)?

The AePS is a bank-led model which allows online financial transactions at Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices and micro ATMs of any bank using Aadhaar authentication. The model removes the need for OTPs, bank accounts and other financial details.

Under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, users who wish to receive any benefit or subsidy under schemes have to mandatorily submit their Aadhaar number to the banking service provider.

According to a website managed and run by MeitY, the AePS service does not require any activation. The only requirement is that the user’s bank account should be linked with their Aadhaar number.

According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), this allows fund transfers using only the bank name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint captured during Aadhaar enrolment.

How have cybercriminals exploited the AePS ecosystem?

The UIDAI said that the Aadhaar data, including biometric information, is fully safe and secure. UIDAI’s database is not the only source from where data can be leaked.

Aadhaar’s numbers are readily available in the form of photocopies, and soft copies, and criminals are using Aadhaar-enabled payment systems to breach user information.

How UIDAI is planning to improve AePS ecosystem?

The UIDAI is proposing an amendment to the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) Regulations, 2016. The amendment will require entities in possession of an Aadhaar number to not share details unless the Aadhaar numbers have been redacted or blacked out through appropriate means, both in print and electronic form.

UIDAI will require entities in possession of an Aadhaar number to not share details unless the Aadhaar numbers have been redacted or blacked out through appropriate means, both in print and electronic form.

The UIDAI has implemented a new two-factor authentication mechanism. This uses a machine-learning-based security system, combining finger minutiae and finger image capture to check the ‘liveness’ of a fingerprint.

UIDAI also advised users to lock their Aadhaar information by visiting the UIDAI website or using the mobile app. . It can be unlocked when the need for biometric authentication arises, such as for property registration, passport renewals, etc.

Timely reporting will ensure any money transferred using fraudulent means is returned to the victim.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Palghat Gap: A break in the Western Ghats

Source: The post is based on the article “Palghat Gap: A break in the Western Ghats” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats is a significant break in the mountain range, measuring about 40 km wide.

What is Palghat Gap?

Palghat Gap is often called a significant discontinuity in the Western Ghats. The Gap is about 40 km wide, with the steep Nilgiris and Anamalai hills, both rising above 2,000 meters on either side.

Important Gateway: The Gap has historically been important as a significant gateway into the State of Kerala. It is a corridor for both roads and railways that connects Coimbatore with Palakkad.

River: The Bharathappuzha River flows through it. 

Vegetation: In contrast to the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats, the vegetation in the Palghat Gap is classified as dry evergreen forest. 

Geological Features: The Gap is a geological shear zone that runs from east to west.

Note: Shear zones are weak regions in the earth’s crust — this is the reason behind the rare tremors felt in the region Coimbatore.

Origin: The origin of the Palghat Gap stems from the drift of continental shelves after Australia and Africa broke off from the Gondwana landmass. 

Rainfall: The Western Ghats in the north of the Palghat Gap receive more rain annually, but the south gets rain more evenly throughout the year. 

Biodiversity: The Gap marks a divide in the flora and fauna of the region. For example, several species of frogs are found only on one side of the Gap. 

– Moreover, elephant populations on the Nilgiris side differ in their mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and the Periyar sanctuaries. 

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse(RRR) Centres: One-stop centres for zero waste to be launched in cities

Source: The post is based on the article “One-stop centres for zero waste to be launched in cities” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The Central Government will soon launch one-stop centres called “Reduce, Recycle and Reuse” where citizens can deposit old clothes, shoes, books, toys and plastic that can be reused or recycled.

What are Reduce, Recycle and Reuse(RRR) Centres?

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse(RRR) Centres are being launched to reduce waste generation in Urban India.

These centres will serve as a one-stop solution for citizens, institutions, commercial enterprises, etc to deposit unused or used plastic items, clothes, shoes, footwear, books, and toys.

The items will then be given to different stakeholders to be refurbished for reuse or would be made into new products contributing to a circular economy.

The centres would be set up as part of a nationwide campaign ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’.

What is the Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar campaign?

Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar (‘My Life, My Clean City’) campaign has been launched under the aegis of the Swacch Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).

The objective of the campaign is to take collective action for the protection and conservation of the environment by adopting sustainable daily habits.

The campaign will culminate on 5th June 2023 with the Pledge for LiFE, that will be undertaken by everyone on the occasion of World Environment Day as well as large-scale cleanliness drives across all cities.

Donanemab: The New Alzheimer’s Drug

Source: The post is based on the article “The New Alzheimer’s Drug” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

A second drug named “Donanemab” has been found effective in checking cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer Disease?

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An estimate suggests that India’s burden of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is a part, will increase to 14 million by 2050.

What is Donanemab?

Donanemab is a drug being developed to treat people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

The drug is being developed by the U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lill.

The drug works by targeting a common hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain: amyloid plaques.

Note: Beta-amyloid is a protein which plays an important role in brain function for everyone. But in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, beta-amyloid turns toxic – clumping together and disrupting the connection between brain cells and their function. This leads to cognitive issues such as memory loss.

Significance: Donanemab has been found to slow down cognitive decline by 35% when compared with a placebo in a phase III trial.

– This is the second drug, within a span of one year, that has been found to be effective in checking cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

– However, it is important to note that the two drugs don’t stop or reverse Alzheimers.

Eretmoptera murphyi: How the invasion of a tiny insect is altering Antarctica’s soil & its ecosystem

Source: The post is based on the article “How the invasion of a tiny insect is altering Antarctica’s soil & its ecosystem” published in Down To Earth on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

According to a study by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a tiny flightless midge (small fly) “Eretmoptera murphyi” that has colonized Antarctica’s Signy Island is driving fundamental changes to the island’s soil ecosystem.

What is Eretmoptera murphyi?

Eretmoptera murphy is an invasive species on Antarctic Signy Island.

Native: It is a native of South Georgia, a sub-Antarctic Island, and was accidentally introduced to Signy in the 1960s during a botany experiment. Its proliferation became apparent in the 1980s.

Eretmoptera murphyi feasts on dead organic matter and has led to faster plant decomposition, thus increasing the soil nitrate levels by three-five times compared to places on the island where only native invertebrate species live.

Cause for the spread: Experts believe that the spread of this midge, murphyi in Antarctica may have been caused by humans who carried insects on their shoes.

Concerns: Eretmoptera murphyi can also survive in water, which raises concerns that it could spread to other islands.

It has become a big problem as the tiny insect has spread to a much larger area with multiplying populations.

The activity of the midges, along with climate change, may also create conditions for other invasive species to become established and accelerate the effects of climate change.

UNFF18: Sustainable forest management takes centre stage

Source: The post is based on the article “UNFF18: Sustainable forest management takes centre stage” published in Down To Earth on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The eighteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF18) was held in New York recently.

What is the United Nations Forum on Forests(UNFF)?

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a high-level intergovernmental policy forum.

It was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council. 

Objective: To promote the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.

Membership: The Forum has universal membership, and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies.

Headquarters: New York, USA

What are the key highlights from the eighteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF18)?

Practice Sustainable Forest Management(SFM) in Tropical Regions: Experts have underscored the significance of practising SFM in tropical regions. With the surge in bioenergy consumption since 2013, there has been a mounting strain on forests, making the need for sustainable sourcing of tropical timber even more crucial.

India: It presented a case of a UNFF country-led initiative on long-term SFM and expressed concerns regarding wildfires and the limitations of current forest certification schemes.

Saudi Arabia: It highlighted the importance of preventing forest fires and urban expansion encroaching on forested areas.

Suriname: Suriname, claiming to be the most forested and carbon-negative country, shared its experiences of economic pressures impacting its green cover and environmental policies.

Congo and the Dominican Republic: These countries stressed their commitment to forest conservation measures and called for strategies to reduce pressures on natural forests while improving livelihoods, given their heavy reliance on fuelwood.

Centre faces tough choice as Taliban pick a new Ambassador for Delhi

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre faces tough choice as Taliban pick a new Ambassador for Delhi” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The Taliban Government has recalled the current Afghan Ambassador to India and appointed a new ambassador.

This has presented a complex situation for India’s foreign policy on the Afghanistan situation and its engagement with the Taliban.

What is India’s stand on the Taliban Government in Afghanistan?

India, similar to many other countries, does not acknowledge the Taliban government. However, in 2022, the Indian government established a “technical mission” in Kabul.

If India accepts the Taliban’s wish to replace the Afghan Ambassador, it could indicate a formalization of its ties with the insurgent group.

But India rejecting the Taliban regime’s appointment could see repercussions for India’s “technical mission” in Kabul.

Which countries accepted the Taliban’s appointments?

Most countries where Afghanistan ran missions have refused to accede to the Taliban appointments.

But countries like Russia, China, Pakistan, the Central Asian states and Iran have allowed the Taliban-appointed diplomats to run the missions and even raise the Taliban or “Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan” (IEA) flag.

Railways gets on track to overhaul signage system

Source: The post is based on the article “Railways gets on track to overhaul signage system” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

Indian Railways is set to introduce uniform signages at all stations across the country, ensuring a consistent and easy-to-understand system for passengers.

The move is part of the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme under which 1,275 stations are being redeveloped, with a focus on providing safe, comfortable, and clean railway premises.

Why are Indian Railways planning to overhaul the signage system?

Signages act as a guide to visitors of Railway Station premises and assist in making cognitive decisions related to their journey and other needs.

The current system of signage is inconsistent and inadequate. The Ministry of Railways has pointed out that there is a lack of uniformity in some cases. 

In others, signage overlaps with advertisements and not in the visual scheme of commuters. Some signages are not aesthetically designed and in other places, they are absent.

So, the government is planning to make changes to the signage system.

What are the changes Indian Railways is planning to bring to the signage system?

The Indian Railways will now adopt modern, standard signages which are divyang-friendly (disabled-friendly). It will also prioritize simple language, clear font, easy-to-see colours and intuitive pictograms. 

MNRE announces major reforms in the Approved List of Models and Manufactures for Solar Photovoltaic Modules

Source: The post is based on the article “MNRE announces major reforms in the Approved List of Models and Manufactures for Solar Photovoltaic Modules” published in PIB on 15th May 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has come up with a number of reforms in its Approved List of Models and Manufactures(ALMM) for Solar Photovoltaic Modules. 

The reforms are primarily aimed at reducing the cost to solar PV manufacturers, the time between application to enlistment as well as compliance burden and increasing ease of doing business in the whole ALMM process.

What are Solar Photovoltaic(PV) Modules?

Solar PV modules are made by connecting together photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar cells. They are manufactured from semiconductor materials like crystalline silicon. 

Solar modules convert the light energy captured from the sun into electric energy. The electric energy produced is used for lighting residential and commercial establishments.

Why has the government issued an Approved List of Models and Manufactures(ALMM) for Solar Photovoltaic Modules?

Since solar PV power installations are set up for a period of 25 years and solar PV cells and modules used in plants require long-term warranty, it is desirable to ensure that such products are indeed made in units in which production has been claimed. 

It is possible that some units may claim production of solar cells & modules produced or made elsewhere.

The reliability of such producers is essential to protect consumer interests and ensure the larger energy security of the Country.

Accordingly, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers(ALMM) of Solar Photovoltaic Modules Order in 2019.

The ALMM Order states that ALMM shall consist of LIST-I, specifying models and manufacturers of Solar PV Modules and LIST-II, specifying models and manufacturers of Solar PV Cells. 

Only the models and manufacturers included in ALMM List-I (of solar PV modules) are eligible for use in Government Projects/ Government assisted Projects/ Projects under Government Schemes & Programmes.

As of date, ALMM List consists of 91 no of module manufacturing facilities (all domestic) with the aggregate solar PV module manufacturing capacity of 22,389 MW per year.